Ed Higginbotham
Ed Higginbotham Associate Editor
8/7/17 9:10 a.m.

The Hyundai Ioniq represents the brand's most affordable hybrid option. Models start as low as $22,200. Our test car was the highest trim level, and came with the additional Ultimate Package. That inflates the price to $31,460, but adds features like automatic emergency braking, smart cruise control, navigation and much more.

nderwater
nderwater UltimaDork
8/7/17 9:31 a.m.

I haven't noticed any Ioniqs on the street but I am seeing a number of Kia Niros, its sibling. The Prius continues to dominate this segment; I'm curious if this new generation of hybrids will finally make significant inroads.

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
8/7/17 9:46 a.m.

I saw two Ioniqs last night on I-4 but, yeah, you're right in that Toyota dominates this market. I'm eager to see where things go in the next few years, though.

The0retical
The0retical SuperDork
8/7/17 9:53 a.m.

It's a hatchback hybrid that doesn't look goofy as hell, quiet, and has room for actual adult humans in the back? Perfect car for a commuter. It's what I wanted for years and no one offered.

Cblais19
Cblais19 New Reader
8/7/17 2:14 p.m.

Like others, I've been seeing a lot more of the Kia Nero around then the Ioniq. Absolutely brilliant of Kia to slap some crossover-esque styling over a bog standard hybrid hatch.

If Hyundai would make the safety tech + adaptive cruise available lower in the trim line I'd be very interested in this as a daily driver/commuter.

pointofdeparture
pointofdeparture PowerDork
8/7/17 2:37 p.m.

In reply to Cblais19:

IIRC there is a "tech package" available for the lower trims that gives you that stuff.

Tyler H
Tyler H UltraDork
8/7/17 5:25 p.m.
The0retical wrote: It's a hatchback hybrid that doesn't look goofy as hell...

And that's why it will fail compared to the Prius. Hybrid buyers are seeking an image just like everyone else, whether its a Jeep, MINI, full size trucks or CUVs.

Toyota owns the market because they established the hybrid 'identity' with the Prius, which happens to look goofy as hell.

Fueled by Caffeine
Fueled by Caffeine MegaDork
8/7/17 5:34 p.m.
Tyler H wrote:
The0retical wrote: It's a hatchback hybrid that doesn't look goofy as hell...
And that's why it will fail compared to the Prius. Hybrid buyers are seeking an image just like everyone else, whether its a Jeep, MINI, full size trucks or CUVs. Toyota owns the market because they established the hybrid 'identity' with the Prius, which happens to look goofy as hell.

not anymore. maybe years ago.. but a hybrid is just a normal car now. the image seeking is long gone, people want a practical car that fits their family and gets good mileage.

z31maniac
z31maniac MegaDork
8/7/17 5:59 p.m.
The0retical wrote: It's a hatchback hybrid that doesn't look goofy as hell, quiet, and has room for actual adult humans in the back? Perfect car for a commuter. It's what I wanted for years and no one offered.

But let me guess, in true GRM fashion, you aren't actually going to buy one?

The0retical
The0retical SuperDork
8/7/17 8:03 p.m.

In reply to z31maniac:

I purchased something else because it was cool to be a hyper styled less function more form spaceship when I was looking. So unfortunately I won't be in the market for something new for probably 5 years yet.

At that point I'll take a serious look around again. The SEL version with the adaptive cruise control package would be sweet if I were though. Probably $26k OTD so it's pretty reasonable.

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
8/8/17 10:13 a.m.

This week we have a Prius plug-in hybrid (as well as a 2.0T Camaro), so look for reviews on those soon.

Cblais19
Cblais19 New Reader
8/9/17 11:14 a.m.
The0retical wrote: In reply to z31maniac: I purchased something else because it was cool to be a hyper styled less function more form spaceship when I was looking. So unfortunately I won't be in the market for something new for probably 5 years yet. At that point I'll take a serious look around again. The SEL version with the adaptive cruise control package would be sweet if I were though. Probably $26k OTD so it's pretty reasonable.

Huh, I wonder what the OTD and leases are going to look like these in a couple of years. I love my '16 Accord with the Sensing package, but it's just a bit bigger then I'd prefer.

Carsandbikes
Carsandbikes New Reader
5/16/18 12:26 p.m.

There's one of these, but the lowest trim level, a few blocks from my house. The first time I passed it, I didn't think too much about it.  The only distinguishing feature I saw was that rear window. I couldn't even guess which car manufacturer built it.  The second time I passed it, I noticed a badge that said IONIQ so I figured it might be a hybrid I vaguely remembered reading about built by Hyundai or Kia. 

Being a white hatchback with plain looking wheel covers, I just figured MEH. 

GameboyRMH
GameboyRMH MegaDork
5/16/18 12:38 p.m.

These are selling like hotcakes by me, I saw one on the street so soon after they were released, I thought it must be some other car. Not a bad looking car either, it's futuristic in a quiet and classy way.

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